Erajy (20737)
Turkmenistan, Central Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Erajy
Central coordinates: Latitude: 38.7753, Longitude: 62.3533
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 80 to 200
Area of KBA (km2): 55.94805
Protected area coverage (%): 0.58
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Erajy Lakes IBA is situated in the Southeast Karakum, and is formed from the Main Turkmen collector-drainage waters. The IBA is located 110-115 km to the southwest of Turkmenabat city and to the northeast of Mary city. The IBA consists of alternating flooded depressions and raised areas of ridge-hilly sands.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: The avifauna of the IBA includes 300 species, of which more than 100 are waterfowl and waterbirds. The IBA's wetlands, among the desert, provide favorable conditions for waterfowl and waterbirds, especially during migration and in winter. Criterion А4iii applies for the waterfowl and waterbirds which number more than 20,000 on migration and in winter. The following A1 species have been recorded but current data does not justfy designating the site under this criteria: Pelecanus crispus, Aythya nyroca, Oxyura leucocephala, Anser erythropus and Marmaronetta angustirostris. Non-bird biodiversity: Fish: about 20 species, amphibians – 2 species, reptiles – 25 species and mammals about 30 species. Flora: coastal hydrophilic vegetation: Karelinia caspia, Phragmites australis, Salsola, Calligonum , Haloxylon persicum, H.aphyllum.
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture (80%) | water management (20%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 95 | |
| Desert | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: There is a small amount of illegal hunting and fishing. Climate change, severe weather and natural system modifications.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate change & severe weather | Droughts | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Natural system modifications | Other ecosystem modifications | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: None.